Our Cornerstones

Every landmark building needs a strong foundation…

…a source of strength that helps shoulder the burden

…and a base of support upon which the structure must rest.

In each issue of "The Curtain Speech" this section will highlight some of the Auditorium Theatre’s cornerstones—individuals, corporations, and foundations whose support has been especially heartwarming. We are incredibly grateful for their generosity and for their kindness. And we want to acknowledge them because their selflessness is instrumental in helping our National Historic Landmark persevere, prosper, and grow.

These are compassionate people, responsible corporations, and philanthropic institutions committed to making a difference in the world.

These are friends just like you.

These are our cornerstones.

Tammy and Rob Campbell

Friends like these are priceless. 

Spend just a few moments with Tammy and Rob Campbell, and you’ll discover the truth—and the joy—ingrained within this statement.

Whether they’re swaying to a performance of “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah,” marveling at the choreography of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, or celebrating another milestone event on our stage, Rob and Tammy are always committed to gaining the most from every experience within our walls.

The Campbells became involved with the Auditorium Theatre through “Too Hot to Handel,” which they describe as: “… a performance that invites you to engage with the musicians, the singers, the music, the words and just maybe even the people sitting around you. It’s Handel’s ‘Messiah,’ which we already loved, brought to a whole other dimension.”  They’ve been diligently attending and assisting this riveting musical event ever since their first performance and have also brought groups of friends and colleagues to our theatre each year.   

Yet the Campbells’ familiarity with the Auditorium (which they aptly describe as “a beautiful venue that has a history that embodies the heart and soul of Chicago”) is not limited to a single production.  In fact, their extensive connection with our historic landmark encompasses the entirety of each season. Their intimate involvement with Willow Creek Church, which holds services in our theatre each Sunday, already make the Campbells regular fixtures at the theatre.  But they also: act as ambassadors of “Too Hot to Handel;” serve as “Friends of Too Hot to Handel;” support “Hands Together, Heart to Art,” our original arts summer camp for children who have experienced the death of a parent; participate on planning committees for our upcoming 125^th anniversary; and attend a myriad of performances and events each season.

Humble and gracious, the Campbells express considerable humility even when describing the substantial impact they make on our national historic landmark.   “(Our) biggest impact is that we have an opportunity to be a part of a community of individuals that are all making a difference in whatever small or large way.  Sitting in the audience – supporting the arts and taking in the wonder of creation in the beautiful venue of the Auditorium Theatre is something that gives back to us. We are honored to be a part of the community that goes beyond the borders of the walls of the Auditorium... we love being able to share this community with our family and friends (or even friends we haven’t met yet).”

Tammy and Rob's hard work and exuberance, both for the Auditorium Theatre and for other organizations, is inspiring. As yet another example of their consummate selflessness, their favorite memories of the Auditorium naturally focus on the joy the venue provides not to each other, but to everyone.  “Seeing the faces of our friends and family who hear ‘Too Hot to Handel’ for the first time, (and) baptism Sunday service at Willow Chicago,” are among their most precious experiences with our cultural icon.  It is these moments in which people are transformed—through art, faith, community, or a combination of all three—that truly resonate with these generous individuals.

Regardless of which event they attend, everyone at the Auditorium Theatre is extremely grateful to the Campbells for everything that they do.  Their impact cannot be overstated—and we are all fortunate to benefit from their tremendous kindness, their incredible commitment . . . and their priceless friendship.